Indian history MCQ

991. What was the time period of Indus Civilization / Harappan Civilization?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) 2500 BC - 1750 BC.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, GRE, Civil Services

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Indus Valley Civilization, also known as the Harappan Civilization, is one of the world's earliest urban civilizations. It is known for its well-planned cities, advanced drainage systems, and standardized weights and measures.

Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the timeline of the Indus Valley Civilization with other ancient civilizations, such as the Mesopotamian or Egyptian civilizations.

Explanations: The Indus Valley Civilization flourished from approximately 2500 BC to 1750 BC. This period is marked by the development of major urban centers such as Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, which were characterized by their grid-like city layouts, sophisticated drainage systems, and standardized brick sizes. The civilization's decline is believed to have occurred around 1750 BC, possibly due to environmental changes and invasions.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect, as the start date of 2400 BC is too late for the beginning of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Option B: Correct, as the timeline of 2500 BC to 1750 BC accurately reflects the period of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Option C: Incorrect, as the end date of 1700 BC is too early for the end of the Indus Valley Civilization.
Option D: Incorrect, as both the start and end dates are incorrect for the timeline of the Indus Valley Civilization.

992. The original home of the Aryan, according to Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Arctic region.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak proposed the Arctic region as the original home of the Aryans based on his interpretation of ancient texts and astronomical data.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the Arctic region with other proposed locations such as Central Asia or Kashmir, which were also considered in various theories.

Explanations: Lokmanya Balgangadhar Tilak, a prominent Indian nationalist and scholar, proposed the Arctic region as the original home of the Aryans. He based this theory on his interpretation of ancient Vedic texts and astronomical data. Tilak argued that the descriptions of the natural environment and astronomical phenomena in the Vedas could only be explained if the Aryans originally lived in a region with long days and nights, which is characteristic of the Arctic region.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kashmir is not the correct answer as it does not align with Tilak's theory based on astronomical and environmental evidence.
Option B: Tibet is not the correct answer as it does not match Tilak's interpretation of the Vedic texts and astronomical data.
Option C: Central Asia is not the correct answer as it does not align with Tilak's specific theory about the Arctic region.
Option D: Arctic region is the correct answer as it aligns with Tilak's interpretation of the Vedic texts and astronomical data.

Mnemonic: Aryans in Arctic, Astronomical Alignment

993. The word "mantra" means

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) That which delivers the mind.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, GRE, TOEFL

Difficulty: Easy

Concept notes: The term "mantra" originates from Sanskrit and is composed of two parts: "manas" (mind) and "tra" (to deliver or free). Thus, a mantra is a sound, syllable, word, or group of words that is considered capable of delivering the mind from distraction and leading to a state of concentration and peace.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the meaning of "mantra" with other spiritual or religious terms, leading to incorrect interpretations.

Explanations: The word "mantra" is derived from Sanskrit and literally means "that which delivers the mind." The prefix "man" refers to the mind, and "tra" means to deliver or free. Therefore, a mantra is a tool used to free the mind from distractions and achieve a state of mental clarity and peace.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect. "That which provides bliss" is not the literal meaning of "mantra."
Option B: Incorrect. "That which provides knowledge" is not the literal meaning of "mantra."
Option C: Correct. "That which delivers the mind" is the literal meaning of "mantra."
Option D: Incorrect. "All of the above" is not correct as only one option accurately defines the term.

994. Which of the following statements is not applicable to the Mahalwari settlement?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (A) It was a permanent measure introduced as an improvement on the other two measures.

Exam Relevance: UPSC Civil Services, IAS Prelims, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mahalwari settlement was a system of land revenue collection introduced by the British in India. It was not a permanent measure and was not necessarily an improvement over the other two systems (Zamindari and Ryotwari).

Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the permanence and improvement aspects of the Mahalwari settlement with the other two systems, leading to incorrect assumptions.

Explanations: The Mahalwari settlement was not a permanent measure. It was a temporary arrangement designed to address specific issues in certain regions. It was not introduced as an improvement over the Zamindari and Ryotwari systems but rather as a compromise between the two. The other options describe accurate aspects of the Mahalwari settlement.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This statement is not applicable because the Mahalwari settlement was not a permanent measure or an improvement over the other systems.
Option B: This statement is applicable as the Mahalwari settlement was indeed applied to each village and estate separately.
Option C: This statement is applicable as the government made settlements with the village community as a whole under the Mahalwari system.
Option D: This statement is applicable as the Mahalwari settlement was introduced in the Gangetic valley, the Punjab, and parts of Central India.

995. Muhammed Tughluq's ..... were a failure.

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Administrative Measures.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Muhammed Tughluq's administrative measures were considered a failure due to their impracticality and mismanagement.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the specific measures with general administrative failures or other aspects of his reign.

Explanations: Muhammed Tughluq's administrative measures, such as the transfer of the capital from Delhi to Daulatabad and the introduction of token currency, were poorly executed and led to widespread discontent and economic instability. These measures are widely regarded as failures due to their impracticality and the inability to manage their implementation effectively.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Administrative alone is too broad and does not specify the measures.
Option B: Measures alone is too vague and does not specify the administrative context.
Option C: Administrative Measures correctly identifies the specific aspect of his reign that was considered a failure.
Option D: None of these is incorrect as the correct answer is clearly identified.

Mnemonic: TAD: Transfer, Administrative, Disaster

996. The last opportunity to avoid the partition of India was lost with the rejection of :

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Cabinet Mission.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 was the last major attempt by the British government to avoid the partition of India. It aimed to establish a constitutional framework for a united India with a strong center and autonomous provinces.

Common Mistakes: Students often confuse the Cabinet Mission with other plans such as the Cripps Mission or the Rajagopalachari Formula, which were also attempts to resolve the political situation in India but did not directly address the partition issue.

Explanations: The Cabinet Mission Plan proposed a federal structure with a strong central government and autonomous provinces. It aimed to accommodate the demands of both the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League. However, the plan was rejected by the Muslim League, which insisted on a separate state for Muslims. This rejection ultimately led to the partition of India in 1947.

Option Analysis:

Option A: The Rajagopalachari Formula was proposed in 1944 and aimed to resolve the communal issue but was not the last opportunity to avoid partition.
Option B: Wavell was the Viceroy of India during the Cabinet Mission but did not propose a plan to avoid partition.
Option C: The Cabinet Mission Plan of 1946 was the last major attempt by the British government to avoid the partition of India.
Option D: The Cripps Mission of 1942 aimed to secure Indian support for World War II but did not address the partition issue directly.

Mnemonic: Cabinet Mission: "C" for "Crisis" - Last chance to avoid "C"atastrophic partition.

997. Consider the following statements: A war of succession started among the four sons of the Emperor Shahjahan in 1657 A.D. There was no codified Law of Succession for the Mughal dynasty. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Both 1 and 2.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The Mughal Empire did not have a codified law of succession, leading to conflicts over the throne.

Common Mistakes: Students may incorrectly assume that the Mughal Empire had a clear line of succession.

Explanations: The Mughal Empire did not have a codified law of succession, which led to conflicts over the throne. In 1657, Emperor Shahjahan fell ill, and a war of succession broke out among his four sons: Dara Shikoh, Shuja, Aurangzeb, and Murad. This conflict is a clear example of the lack of a formal succession law, as each son claimed the right to the throne. Therefore, both statements are correct.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Incorrect because it only acknowledges the war of succession but not the lack of a codified law of succession.
Option B: Incorrect because it only acknowledges the lack of a codified law of succession but not the war of succession.
Option C: Correct because it acknowledges both the war of succession and the lack of a codified law of succession.
Option D: Incorrect because it denies both statements, which are both true.

998. The Maratha who helped the Sayyad brothers in overthrowing Farukh Siyar in 1719 was

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (D) Balaji Vishwanath.

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: Balaji Vishwanath was a prominent Maratha statesman who played a significant role in the political landscape of the early 18th century in India. He was instrumental in helping the Sayyad brothers, who were powerful nobles in the Mughal court, in overthrowing Farukh Siyar in 1719.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse Balaji Vishwanath with other Maratha leaders such as Baji Rao I or Shivaji, who were also influential but during different periods.

Explanations: Balaji Vishwanath, as the Peshwa (Prime Minister) of the Maratha Empire, was a key figure in the political machinations of the time. He aligned with the Sayyad brothers, who were seeking to consolidate their power within the Mughal court. This alliance was crucial in the downfall of Farukh Siyar, who was seen as a threat to their ambitions. Balaji Vishwanath's strategic support and influence were pivotal in this political upheaval.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Sahuji was not involved in the events of 1719 and was not a contemporary of the Sayyad brothers.
Option B: Baji Rao I, while a significant Maratha leader, was not involved in the overthrow of Farukh Siyar in 1719. He succeeded his father Balaji Vishwanath as Peshwa.
Option C: Shivaji was a historical figure who lived in the 17th century and was not involved in the events of 1719.
Option D: Balaji Vishwanath was the Maratha leader who helped the Sayyad brothers in overthrowing Farukh Siyar in 1719.

999. Aurangzeb reimposed 'jizya' in the twenty-second year of his reign in order to:

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (C) Re-assert the fundamentally Islamic character of the State.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: The reimposition of 'jizya' by Aurangzeb was a significant policy decision aimed at reinforcing the Islamic character of the Mughal state.

Common Mistakes: Students may mistakenly believe that the reimposition of 'jizya' was primarily an economic measure or a punitive action against specific groups.

Explanations: Aurangzeb's decision to reimpose 'jizya' in the twenty-second year of his reign was a deliberate move to reassert the Islamic character of the Mughal state. 'Jizya' was a tax levied on non-Muslims, and its reimposition was a symbolic and practical reaffirmation of the state's Islamic identity. This action was part of Aurangzeb's broader efforts to implement a more orthodox interpretation of Islamic law and governance.

Option Analysis:

Option A: This option suggests that the reimposition was to economically pressure the majority community to convert, which is not historically accurate.
Option B: While financial considerations may have played a role, the primary motivation was not to address a difficult financial situation.
Option C: This is the correct answer as it aligns with Aurangzeb's efforts to reinforce the Islamic character of the state.
Option D: This option suggests a punitive action against specific groups, which does not align with the broader historical context of the reimposition of 'jizya'.

Mnemonic: Jizya, Islamic, Reassert

1000. As revolt got over, Bahadur Shah Zafar was sent to jail in

Correct Answer: Correct answer is: (B) Rangoon.

Exam Relevance: UPSC, Civil Services, IAS, Competitive History Exams

Difficulty: Moderate

Concept notes: After the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal Emperor, was exiled to Rangoon (now Yangon) in modern-day Myanmar.

Common Mistakes: Students may confuse the location of Bahadur Shah Zafar's exile with other cities such as Calcutta or Lahore, which were also significant during the British colonial period.

Explanations: Following the suppression of the Indian Rebellion of 1857, Bahadur Shah Zafar was captured by the British and exiled to Rangoon. This was a strategic decision by the British to remove him from the subcontinent and prevent any further uprising. Rangoon was chosen as it was far from India and under British control.

Option Analysis:

Option A: Kathmandu was not the place where Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.
Option B: Rangoon was the correct place where Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled by the British.
Option C: Lahore was not the place where Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.
Option D: Calcutta was not the place where Bahadur Shah Zafar was exiled.

Mnemonic: Rangoon, Remember, Removed, Rebellion.

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11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 100”

ramanasri January 11, 2020
IAS UPSC Mathematics Optional Syllabus 2020
Ashish February 10, 2020
Its really helpful MCQ’s for Government Exam preparations. I hope we will get more in future. Really thankful for such an amazing work by Gatecseit team!
Jumma February 21, 2020
Very Useful Or Informative Article For preparations.
DreamNaukri March 4, 2020
this question is awesome and very important for all exam. this is a unique collection which gives by your team. Thanks of lots
Shankar March 12, 2020
From where can I get answer of these questions?
yoga ttc in india March 20, 2020
very useful information, thanks for sharing with us.
Jayashankar Naik June 3, 2020
MCQ in history is really helpful to any competitive exam
Kunwar Yoga September 15, 2020
thansks for sharing these mcq question with us.
Rajib Gosh February 28, 2021
It is helpful for preparing exam. Thanks
Krishna November 19, 2021
Bahut acche prashna hain
yoga school in rishikesh October 4, 2023
Thanks for sharing this MCQ.

11 thoughts on “Indian history MCQ - Set 100”

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